UL Football Turns In Best Practice Of Camp

LAFAYETTE, La. - With three days to go in preseason camp and the clock ticking down towards their Aug. 31 opener at Arkansas, the Ragin' Cajuns football team put together their best practice of the preseason on Tuesday.

Third-year head coach Mark Hudspeth was happy with both sides of the ball, but made mention of the teamwork of the defense.

"The effort today started on the defensive line where veterans like Brandon McCray, Justin Hamilton and Christian Ringo stepped up," Hudspeth said. "We spent a whole period on them fitting the power and they came through.

Hudspeth's praise didn't stop there.

"When the defensive line plays well, it makes it that much easier for our linebackers to step up as well. Our linebackers and defensive linemen did a great job of taking their gaps. It was a physical workout," Hudspeth added.

After announcing on Monday that several freshman would most likely forego a redshirt season and play this year, Hudspeth added another to the list on Tuesday, Simeon Thomas.

"He just continues to get better and better," Hudspeth said. "He's pushing the guys ahead of him hard.

"He plays his position smartly. You can't go over the top on him. He's fast, rangy and plays the ball well," Hudspeth added.

Redshirt freshman quarterback Brooks Haack, who continued his battle with D'Shaie Landor for the backup quarterback spot, had a feature role in a university commercial that was released on Tuesday.

http://youtu.be/bv2GKTIbbig

Hudspeth made mention of Saturday night's Ragin' Cajuns Athletic Celebration, which will be held from 7:00-11:00 p.m. in the Cajundome Convention Center.

"I am looking forward to the evening. It should be a great event to take part in," Hudspeth said.

"The organizing staff has gone to great detail to put together a first class event with all of the proceeds going to Ragin' Cajuns athletics so I urge all Louisiana fans to join us."

Individual tickets remain on sale through the event's Facebook page or the Ragin' Cajuns page at Ticketmaster.com. Tickets cost $150 each and are good for two admissions. They will also be available at the door.

Tuesday's schedule featured just one practice with an afternoon session in the weight room added. Looking ahead, the Cajuns will have their final day of two-practices on Wednesday, before closing camp with a single practice on Thursday and a walk-through on Friday.